Delhi can offer an enormous gastronomical experience to any foodie out there with plenty (and I mean plenty) of options to suit every taste bud. But if you are new to the city, how do you pick out the best local eats out here? Here is my guide to help you experience food as a local would in Delhi. Read on to find out about the must eat local foods in the Delhi and where to get your hands on them.

Kulle di Chaat @ Hari Laal Chaatwala

Photo of Delhi Chaat (by Ekabhishek)

You may have heard about Delhi’s chaats, but you might have not heard about Kulle di chaat. A must eat local food in Delhi, Kulle is a kind of inventive fruit chaat originated in Delhi, where hollowed out cucumbers, tomatoes, pineapples, potatoes and bananas are stuffed with spicy chickpeas and pomegranate seeds. A great summer food.

Where: Hari Laal Chatwala in Chowri Bazaar is one of the best places to try this out and other famous ‘dilli chaats’. Dahi Bhalle at Nataraj is also a must try. It is located in 1396, Near Central bank, Opposite paranthe wali gali.

Paranthe @ Paranthe Wali Gali

Photo of a stuffed paratha (by kspoddar)

There are 3 main shops in the famous Paranthe wali gali that sell every possible type of parathas imaginable (and some not so imaginable like Karela and Nimbu). The Mixed paratha and the Cashew Pista Paratha are a must try here. The Mixed paratha has a lot of different stuffings - potatoes, cauliflowers, carrots, tomatoes, cashews etc. Served with tamarind chutney, mint chutney, a paneer dish and curd - this is one meal you will never forget.

Where: Pt. Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan in Chandni Chowk

Kulchas @ Amritsari Kulcha Wala

Photo of a kulcha platter served with chhole (by Nitin Badhwar)

It is a must visit for you if you are into Amritsari Kulcha (with gallops of butter on it). A popular name with locals, this outlet has other interesting options on their menu as well. A filling meal for two starts at INR 200.

Photo of Nalli Nihari (by Miansari66) Haji Noora ki Nihari is a legacy in Delhi - the secrets of which has been passed down for generations. Nihari is a kind of a mutton stew- like dish. The meat is melt-in-the-mouth tender and the taste is just heavenly. No other word for it. You have to try it to know. There is no seating arrangement. You can either opt for a takeaway or sit on the durries within the shop to enjoy your meal.

Where: This modest little shop is located near the Pul Bangash metro station.

Biriyani @ Haji Noor Mohammed Biriyaniwale

Photo of Biryani (by Jayzain)

Another unassuming establishment that serves divine Biriyanis. Prepared in the traditional style, each biriyani dish is slow-cooked for the entire night and comes out infused with the right mixture of spices, flavours and aromas. The biriyanis are served only from 9 AM to 2 PM. A meal for two will cost you just Rs 300!

If you are a fish person, then Fish tikkas at Paramjeet Machhiwala is one of the must eat local foods in Delhi. They specialise in Tandooris, Tikkas and pakoras made with Pomphret, Surmai, Singhara and sole fishes. They also serve Chicken tikkas and Tandooris, but the fish preparations take the crown.

Where: The shop is easy to locate due to the long queues outside it. It is located in 9, WZ1 block, Basai Darapur in Motinagar (very close to Fun Cinemas).

Momos @ Dolma Aunty Momos

Photo of a momo platter (by Kushal Goyal)

Dolma aunty Momos is a very popular food outlet in Lajpat Nagar. They serve chicken, Paneer and Vegetable momos with a fiery red chilly sauce. The ingredients are fresh, the momos soft and the prices extremely reasonable. These little dumplings of heaven are a must try.

Where: Central Market, Part II, Lajpat Nagar.

Kachoris @ Jung Bahadur Kachori wala

Photo of kachoris (by Harsha K R)

Kachoris are definitely one of the famous local dishes in Delhi. Another gem in Chandni Chowk, the Jung Bahadur kachori wala knows what it does best. the kachoris are hot and crisp served with really spicy potato bhaaji. The Urad daal kachori is the house speciality.

On hot sultry Delhi afternoon, nothing beats a good chuski. Shikhara Lovely Chuski at India gate is arguably the best place to enjoy these chilled delights. This humble shop has been there for decades and serves a variety of flavours.

Where: If you are thinking hygiene - then Rang De Basanti dhaba in E-18, South Ext part II and Guru Nanak sweets and juices near Karol Bagh metro station are good options as well.

Sweets & Chole Bhature @ Ghantewala Halwai

Photo of jalebi (by Amna kh)

A legendary shop in the capital that needs no introduction. Ghantewala continues to serve amazing sweetmeat and snacks for decades now with the same fervour and at pocket-friendly prices. Even with so many competition around, the shop has been thriving and has a large list of loyal patrons. The house speciality are Besan & Boondi Ladoos, piping-hot Gulab Jamuns, Imarti, Ras Malai, Rabri Faluda Kulfi and the spicy Samosas, Kachori and Chole Bhature.

Where: Close to Chandni Chowk metro station

So this was all about the local gastronomic tour in the capital. Now that you know what are the absolute must eat local foods in Delhi, you can surely experience eating like a local. For more information you can check out street foods in Delhi. Do get back with your feedback. I would love to hear from you.

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